Umrao Jaan is a famous Urdu novel by Mirza Hadi Ruswa. It follows the life of a young girl, Amiran, who is abducted and forced into becoming a courtesan in Lucknow. Renamed Umrao Jaan, she is taught poetry, music, and dance. Despite her beauty and skills, she endures heartbreak and misfortune, falling in love with a man who eventually betrays her. The story delves into themes of love, loss, social class, and the challenges faced by women in 19th-century India.
Umrao Jaan Ada play
The Umrao Jaan play is a story known by many and it is based on the classic Urdu novel by Mirza Hadi Ruswa. As if now, the story is being played beautifully at Dubai Opera Main Auditorium. Director Rajeev Goswani aesthetically captures the essence of the original story while adapting it to the stage. The dialogues, drawn from the novel's poetic and soulful language, are impactful, adding to the richness of the narrative. The music, which plays a central role in Umrao's life, enhances the play’s atmosphere, with classical ghazals and thumris bringing a touch of authenticity. It is rightfully recreated by Khayyam Saab and Salim-Sulaiman with lyrics by Shahryar and Irfan Siddiqui.
Pratibha Singh Baghel beautifully transforms into Umrao Jaan and mesmerises everyone. The portrayal of her transformation from a young girl to a renowned courtesan is both compelling and heartbreaking.
Overall, the play remains a powerful exploration of love, identity, and societal expectations, making it a must-watch for fans of the original work and lovers of dramatic storytelling.
Rating: 3 stars.